\ Gratitude | Christina Brandt

Christina Brandt

Tuesday, October 8th, 2024 | Making "What's Next?" What Matters ™

Latest Blog Posts

Ancient Friends in Disguise

I’ve been thinking about the term “frenemy” lately.  Urban Dictionary defines this as “an enemy disguised as a friend.” I’ll bet that you can think of at least one person in your world who fits this profile. Maybe you’ve cast them out, deciding that their two-faced, evil selves have no place in your circle, and […]

Letting Go

Two weeks ago, I found myself on a plane to Montreal.  Not what I thought I’d be doing that day, I’d changed my plans to be with one of my oldest and dearest friends.  Her mom was in the last days of her life after a long bout with cancer.  Emotionally and energetically tapped out, […]

Living With Love

One day about three years ago I was volunteering at the animal shelter, sweeping one of the rooms.  This little gray cat peered out from behind a futon, cautiously checking me out.  I knew he was a new arrival and could probably use a little attention, so I sat down.  He jumped into my lap, […]

Thanks!

It’s a proven fact that our brains can’t be in a state of misery/pain/frustration/anger/sadness at the same time as appreciation.  If you’re in a funk, the best way to wiggle out is by saying “thank you,” noticing the positive things that are going on in and around you. Creating a gratitude practice, in which you […]

A cynical relative recently expressed concern about how much time I spend volunteering for a non-profit organization. She said “aren’t you forgetting your business?” I heard the well-meaning intention, but also the fear that if I don’t keep my nose to the proverbial grindstone all the time, I’ll wind up living under a bridge. I […]

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the importance of community.  And then I spotted this sign: Who are you seeing through, and who sees you through?  Be grateful for the people on this list, and decide to see someone through today in some small way.  There’s nothing like helping others to help yourself; finding […]

Unconscious Competence

How many of you out there say to yourselves, as you’re driving up to a red light “It’s time to apply pressure with my right foot to the pedal that’s next to the gas pedal.” Probably none of you, unless you’re a brand new driver, in which case we thank you for being so deliberate […]

I’ve spent most of the last six weeks on the road, traveling to Spain, Mexico and within the United States. All the trips were a mix of business and pleasure, and each was transformative in its own way. As much as I love travel, though, there’s nothing like coming home. You know that feeling I’m […]